More readers present views on Kent State tragedy

Creator
Mr. and Mrs. Alger Hebebrand

Context
This letter to the editor of the Kent-Ravenna Record-Courier was written on May 8, 1970, in response to the Kent State tragedy.

Audience
The readers of the Kent-Ravenna Record-Courier

Purpose
The authors want to express their opinion that there are many sides to this story and examine its cause. They ask the community to "stand up and be counted."

Historical Significance
This letter shows that local residents had numerous questions about the event and the larger issues of the war, which may have prompted the demonstration and killings. The letter shows an interesting understanding for the National Guard, while it questions the media's role and the actions of Robert White, Kent State University president.

Transcript:

Dear Sir:
Concerning the Kent State tragedy, a few things that are bothering us and many, many other people.
We are extremely sorry about the death of four students.
Was the war in Cambodia the real cause of the riot?
Is it possible that off campus, out of state agitators could have incited the whole incident?
Could, or has anyone, proved that it was guardsmen bullets that killed the students?
Why was Robert White out of state when the campus was in such an uproar? The demonstrations had been going on for several days. He had sufficient time to return. Does Dr. White really care about the college and its future or was he turning his back?
We want the National Guard to know we aren’t against them and feel strongly that it is time the news media covers the other side of the story and obtains other people’s reactions. Not just demonstrators and onlookers. Twenty thousand other students attend Kent State.
What about housewives?
Clerks? Secretaries? Bus Drivers, etc.?
It is long past time for the silent majority to stand up and be counted.

Mr. and Mrs. Alger Hebebrand
3525 State Route 5
Ravenna

Mr. and Mrs. Alger Hebebrand, letter to the editor, Kent-Ravenna Record-Courier (May 8, 1970).